Teeth Whitening
Whitening your teeth is a great way to brighten your smile and increase your self confidence. At O’Neill Dental Care we use the Pola Office+ Whitening System. This is an extremely quick in surgery whitening treatment performed by a dental professional. The end results are visible after a short period of time, usually on the same day as your treatment.
We have completed over 4000 teeth whitening treatments, some of which as part of a wider cosmetic treatment.
How does it work?
The unique formulation releases an active whitening ingredient to start the whitening process straight away. This formulation contains the fastest bleach available to safely whiten teeth and is for in surgery use only.
To reduce sensitivity during and after treatment Pola Office+ uses Pola Desensitising Technology (PDT). Your dentist will use the colour guide below to identify your tooth colour when you arrive for surgery. You and your dentist will agree on how many shades brighter you would like to whiten your teeth.
This treatment takes only 45 minutes and costs €495.
Teeth Whitening Kit
We also prescribe home whitening kits. These are PolaDay and PolaNight. Both treatments are safe and very convenient. Pola teeth whitening products are available in different strengths to achieve the desired outcome. They contain a desensitising agent and high water content to reduce sensitivity and protect your gums. We will provide you with professional guidance for whitening at home.
PolaDay teeth whitening
PolaDay needs to be applied for 30 minutes twice daily to achieve your desired whitening effect.
PolaNight teeth whitening
PolaNight is applied overnight and more suitable for sensitive teeth patients.
At home treatment typically takes 2 – 3 weeks to achieve the desired results. Home treatment kits are priced at €395.
PolaDay teeth whitening at home: Twice a day
PolaNight teeth whitening at home: overnight
Causes of staining and discolouration of teeth
There are lots of reasons why your teeth may become stained or discoloured. We can control some of the reasons but not others. Staining and discolouration can be a result of lifestyle issues or it may be out of our control due to our overall oral health, medical treatments and trauma.
The food and drink we choose can stain our teeth. For example, tea, coffee, red wine and even pasta can lead to discolouration of our smile. Besides other side effects, smoking is one of the more obvious causes of surface stains. Poor habits such as not brushing regularly and neglecting to visit your dentist for cleaning can also lead to staining.
Some causes of staining and darkening our teeth are out of our control. As we age, our tooth enamel becomes worn. This exposes the yellow dentin within our teeth, reducing their bright white appearance.
Certain medications and treatments can also be a factor. Some medications can affect enamel formation in kids’ teeth. Other medications can stain or lead to discolouration. Treatments such as chemotherapy are known to darken teeth.
Also, sports and other accidents can reduce blood supply leading to a darkening of the teeth.
Comparing Teeth Whitening Treatment Options
Whitening toothpaste does not contain bleach but may contain small amounts of peroxides to help whiten teeth. These products contain a specific amount of abrasives and detergents in the toothpaste to help remove staining. Whitening toothpaste effects are limited and can only brighten teeth by 1 or 2 shades.
Overnight home whitening kits such as Pola Day and PolaNight are more effective than toothpaste. They use a fitted tray with a whitening gel that must be worn overnight or for a specified amount of time during the day. The safest options are those kits supplied by your dentist to reduce risk and deliver the best results.
The ideal solution is to use in surgery whitening as your dentist can apply higher concentrations of whitening gel in a safe and controlled manner. This leads to the best results and reduces the sensitivity risk during and after treatment.
Teeth whitening can last up to a year but is very dependent on exposure to the causes of staining by avoiding or reducing consumption of teas, coffees, red wines and smoking cigarettes.
The safest and most effective way to whiten teeth is in surgery treatment. Results can be maintained and prolonged by regular home-based whitening touch-ups as recommended by your dentist.
All whitening treatments will increase sensitivity to a greater or lesser degree. It is worth consulting your dentist before beginning any form of teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening Before and After
Joanne, 2021, Swords.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get my teeth whitened?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile. It’s a great option if you want to:
Boost your self-confidence with a brighter smile.
Remove stains caused by foods, drinks, smoking, or ageing.
Achieve a more youthful appearance.
Prepare for a special event, like a wedding or job interview.
Complement other cosmetic dental improvements.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Professional in-surgery whitening costs €495, while take-home kits provided by the dentist will cost €395.
What ages are suitable for teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is generally suitable for adults. Most dentists recommend that patients be over 18 to ensure that the teeth and gums are fully developed and to minimise sensitivity. For those under 18, it’s important to have a consultation with a dentist to assess the potential risks and benefits individually.
Is there a difference between over-the-counter and professional whitening?
Yes, there are significant differences:
Strength of Bleaching Agent: Professional treatments usually have a higher concentration of bleaching agents, offering more dramatic results in a shorter time.
Customisation and Fit: Dentists provide custom-fitted trays for at-home treatments, which can lead to more consistent and safer results.
Safety and Supervision: Professional whitening includes supervision by a dental professional, ensuring that the procedure is safe and effective.
Speed and Effectiveness: In-office treatments can often be completed in one or two sessions, with results that can last much longer than over-the-counter options.
How long does teeth whitening take?
In-surgery teeth whitening typically takes about 45 minutes. Take-home kits from a dentist usually require a few days to a few weeks, depending on the desired shade and the dentist’s instructions. Over-the-counter products may take several weeks to months to achieve noticeable results.
How long does it last?
The effects of teeth whitening can last from six months to two years, but this varies greatly depending on lifestyle choices such as diet, oral hygiene, and whether you consume stain-causing beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine. Touch-up treatments can help maintain the whiteness for more extended periods.
Does teeth whitening damage your teeth?
When appropriately conducted by a dental professional, teeth whitening is considered safe and should not cause permanent damage to your teeth. However, some patients may experience temporary sensitivity during and after the treatment.
What are the risks, side effects and limitations?
Sensitivity: Some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold during or after the treatment.
Gum Irritation: This can result from the bleaching agent coming into contact with your gums.
Not Suitable for Everyone: Whitening treatments may not be effective for all types of discolouration, such as tetracycline stains or discolouration from excessive fluoride.
Restorations Unaffected: Dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, and veneers will not whiten with bleaching agents.
Maintenance: Whitening is not a one-time solution; maintenance treatments will be necessary to keep the teeth white.
For a personalised consultation to see if teeth whitening is right for you, we suggest you book an appointment with us. It is always best to consult your dentist first, as the cost and effectiveness of treatments can vary significantly from person to person.
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Other Services and Treatments
Our Contact Details:
Phone (01) 840 65 50
Text (083) 040 0005
Email: smile@oneilldentalcare.ie
58 Main St, Swords, Co. Dublin.
Opening Hours
Monday: 8.30am – 5.00pm
Tuesday: 10.30am – 7.00pm
Wednesday: 8.30am – 8.00pm
Thursday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
Friday: 8.30am – 5.00pm
